Rapid, Quantitative, and High-Sensitivity Detection of Anti-Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibodies Using Novel Cdse/Zns-Based Fluorescence Immunosorbent Assay

Autoantibodies against M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) are specific biomarkers for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) and their quantification has been helpful to monitor disease activity. In this study, we describe a highly sensitive and rapid quantum dots-based immunochromatography assay (QD-ICA) for quantifying PLA2R autoantibodies. Serum samples from 135 biopsy-confirmed patients with nephrotic syndrome were analyzed for PLA2R autoantibodies using the novel QD-ICA as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The detection sensitivity and specificity of QD-ICA (80.9 and 100%, respectively) exceeded those of ELISA (72.1 and 98.5%, respectively). The optimum cut-off value of QD-ICA was 18.18 RU/mL and limit of detection was 2.86 relative units/mL. The novel QD-ICA outperforms ELISA in detecting PLA2R autoantibodies, with shorter detection time, fewer steps, smaller equipment size, and broader testing application, suggesting its capability to improve IMN diagnosis and monitor patient response to treatment.